It’s official – the San Diego Union-Tribune is reporting that the Giants have signed outfielder Dave Roberts to a three-year, $18MM deal. The report says Roberts is expected to play center field for San Francisco, apparently pushing Randy Winn to left.
Roberts will turn 35 in May of next year, so he’ll fit right in with the Giants. Roberts has been traded five times in his career, finally reaching free agency this winter. It will be tough to expect more than 130 games from him, especially if he plays a taxing position like center. Roberts posted a career high .360 OBP last year.
The market for center fielders is very thin at this point, consisting of Kenny Lofton and perhaps Julio Lugo. The Rockies, White Sox, Rangers, Brewers, and Cubs could be searching for a center fielder this winter.
